A Few Simple Summer Meals

It's almost summer and with temps topping 90+ this weekend, I think summer really IS here.

So, it's time to think about easy meals to cook for family and friends. Try to use paper plates (more environmental friendly than styrofoam or plastic) and plastic utensils to make clean up a breeze.

Salads are always good for summer meals - either as a main dish or a great starter dish. Here is one of my favorites - just add or take away sides as you wish.

Great Salad Bar Buffet

Ingredients:

2 Bags Salad Greens, pre-washed(I prefer Italian, European or similar selection

6-8 Plum Tomatoes, quartered (or replace with half a basket of cherry or grape tomatoes

Croutons

Italian Dressing (I make my own and the recipes for it follows)

"Side dishes"

Shrimp

Anchovies

Bacon tidbits

Zucchini, sliced

Cheese, shredded

Cucumbers, sliced

Mushrooms, sliced

Crumbled Blue Cheese

Red Onions, thinly sliced

Eggs, Hard boiled, chopped

Avocado, chopped or sliced

For a heartier entrée, add one meat selection from below

Ham, cubed

Strips of cooked chicken

Strips of cooked steak (medium rare is best)

Italian Dressing

1 part Wine vinegar

2 parts Olive Oil

1 T Worcestershire Sauce

1 T Dried Parsley Flakes

1 t Rosemary, crushed

2 T Water

Garlic, salt and pepper to taste

Put into shaker bottle and shake well. You might wish to substitute the vinegar with Balsamic vinegar, or have a bottle of Balsamic vinegar for people to add their own.

Steps:

1. Toss the salad greens with the tomatoes and croutons in a large bowl. Surround this bowl with all the side dishes. Remember to add your favorite not listed above

2. Place dressing near the end of the buffet so everyone can add their own. Have coarse black pepper here also.

This recipe serves 6 -8 easily. For larger crowds, just add additional salad or spinach greens and a larger amount of sides.

Chicken Salad WrapUps

Ingredients:

1 Bag Romaine salad greens, pre-washed and torn

4 Tomatoes, sliced

¼ Lb. Fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 Can Chicken meat, well drained

½ med. Onion, thinly sliced (red onion can be substituted)

¼ C Caesar salad dressing

2 T Parmesan cheese

4 med. Flour tortillas

Salt, Pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Wash and slice the necessary ingredients and flake the chicken.

2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss well.

3. Divide into 4 equal part and put into a tortilla and wrap.

NOTE: You might use a long toothpick to hold the wrap (open side down) and garnish with a cube of cheese, a rolled up piece of salami or a stuffed green olive

And, these a real hit with the kids in your crowd. Some of the younger ones will want theirs without the pineapple salsa

Wrapped Franks with Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients:

4 Hot dogs

4 Med tortillas (Suggest a tomato or spinach flavored tortilla or wrap)
1 Can, 8 oz crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon canned chopped green chiles, drained

1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded or cubed (tiny if cubed)
2 green onion, chopped

1 T Lime Juice
Grated peel of 1 lime

Steps:

1. Grill the hot dogs over medium heat, 6-7 minutes, until cooked. Brown evenly by turning them once or twice.

2. Remove from grill and slice each hot dog lengthwise.

3. While hot dogs are cooking, combine all other ingredients (except cheese and tortillas) in a bowl and mix well.

4. Place about 2 T of salsa inside each tortilla or wrap and top with one hot dog. Sprinkle cheese over the hot dog. Wrap up by folding the short sides (top and bottom) of the wrap around the hot dog and then fold the long sides so these overlap. Do this with each hot dog and tortilla.

5. Place back on the grill over medium heat, opening side down for 3- 4 minutes until sealed and browned. Turn them once to twice to get them evenly browned.

This serves 4 but for more servings just add more hot dogs, wraps and increase the amounts of other ingredients for the salsa. It's easy and no need for exact measurements.

Happy summertime entertaining!